AirbornBook Quiz and Resources Page

Discussion Questions / Reading Guide for Airborn:

1) What is different about the way Kate and Matt each handle the loss of loved ones? Which character seems like a stronger person to you?

2) What kinds of injustice do Kate and Matt each experience? How do they each respond to injustice?

3) What do Kate and Matt admire in each other? What qualities do Kate and Matt disapprove of in each other? Why didn't the author create characters in perfect synchronization in terms of the way they see the world?

4) Why is the Aurora so important to Matt? If you were in his place, would you have taken the opportunity to become a sailmaker sooner by transferring to a different ship? How comfortable would you be if you have Matt's life?

5) There are a number of distinctive supporting characters in this book. Which one did you find most interesting, and why?

6) How is Matt similar to and different from the flying cat creature?

7) What does flying represent in this book?

8) There are several moments of crisis in this book. How well do you think the author manages the pacing of this story? Which element of craft do you admire most - the characterization, the use of language, the science fiction concepts, or the pacing of the action?

9) There is a sense of formality between characters in this book. Matt is called "Mr. Cruse" even by people who know him very well. In contrast, many modern Western people publish secrets about their lives on the Internet. Do you think a sense of formality between people has more advantages or disadvantages?

10) Which part of this story surprised you the most? How satisfied were you with the ending?